Cole Thompson's final Houston Texans mock draft

Cole Thompson's final Houston Texans mock draft

It’s time, ladies and gentleman! As teams locking up their big boards, finishing up private workouts and go into last-minute meeting with prospects, one thing is certain; the NFL Draft is officially upon us.

With the NFL Draft season heading into its final days, mock drafts galore will begin to fill the web. Some feature all seven rounds while others might just speak of the top 32 prospects on one scout’s radar. Either way, it’s nearly impossible, team-based or nationally, to turn on your computer and not see the draft mentioned somewhere next to your franchise’s name.

Everyone knows the Texans are in a bit of pickle this upcoming draft season. While in 2017 former GM Rick Smith was able to find the team’s franchise quarterback in DeShaun Watson, he did give up a King’s ransom to grab him and cut Brock Osweiler. Even though Houston could still grab quality players later in the third round, missing out on a first-round talent could hurt the franchise next season.

The stage is set, the confetti is waiting and fans are excited to meet the next future members of the Texans roster. After many weeks of watching film, listening to rumors and seeing the top needs, here is my final mock draft on what I believe will happen on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Round 3, Pick 68: Braden Smith
OG
Auburn

Zach Fulton will take the pressure away from the left side of the offensive line this season. A decent guard with solid pass protection skills, the Texans high demand for a quality interior lineman somewhat pressures Houston into opening their wallets and paying the former Chief: $28 million over the course of four years. Jeff Allen, however, should no longer be considered a starting option for the Texans if they want to keep DeShaun Watson from suffering even more damage to his legs. Finding a right guard to help up the middle is the best plan of attack.

If he falls to Round 3, Smith might be the most NFL ready guard on day 2 when the Texans are on the clock. Great size at 6-6 and incredible upper body strength, Smith put on a clinic in the weight room up in Indy, but also a strong output with his footwork and speed on the turf. Built like a tank and plays like one, Smith excels winning on initial contact. He’s an ideal right guard in today’s league and should be on the short list of players the Texans consider using their first pick on.

Round 3, Pick 80: M.J. Stewart
CB
UNC

Aaron Colvin is one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league. At only 26 year’s old and still learning, his ability to shut down slot receivers and put them on an island makes him a top-level defender and worth his $34 million contract. That being said, rumors have stated that the team might try Colvin on the outside and leave Kareem Jackson in the slot. While Jackson is a solid tackler, his man cover skills have been rapidly declining.

A physical press cornerback with excellent man cover skills, Stewart is a perfect fit down in Houston. For the Tarheels in 2017, Stewart consistently delivered hard punches at the line of scrimmage and forced receivers to find a different path of route running to get open. While his lack of size might limit him to playing on in the slot, Stewart’s awareness and willingness to tackle could make him an excellent cornerback and allow Jackson to transition to safety. Great in space and always willing to play against the run, Stewart is an ideal option for the Texans long-term.

Round 3, Pick 98: Jamarco Jones
OT
Ohio State

Offensive tackle might be the most confusing position of all the ones the Texans will need to address. Julie’n Davenport showed little promise at left tackle but excelled in run support on the right side in minimal snaps last season. Meanwhile, Derek Newton’s was unable to prove to the staff he has fully recovered from his gruesome torn patella injury and was recently cut. There’s little depth at tackle already and what is on the Texans roster right now isn’t starting caliber material. If Brian Gaine is smart, he’ll try to address the offensive tackle need in some way this draft.

Although a bit undersized from what most teams want in an NFL left tackle, Jones’ production at Ohio State was well documented. A two-year starter on the left side, the former Buckeye excelled in pass protection sets that allowed J.T. Barrett to have plenty of time to get his ball off. With his strong first punch, Jones seemed to always find his direct target and maul defenders into the ground. He can become impatient at times but overall, his pass protection skills fit the bill on the left side and should be the pick for Houston if he’s there at the end of day 2. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s played with a mobile quarterback before.

Round 4, Pick 103: Holton Hill
CB
Texas

Jonathan Joseph is back on a one year deal while Kevin Johnson is about to cross over into the lane of “bustville” after a lack of playing time due to injuries and knowledge of the playbook. Even if Colvin moves outside with Kareem Jackson, the franchise has to find another top cornerback for a potential future run.

If not for his off-field issues, Hill would likely be a top 50 selection. Physical against his targets on the line and downfield, As a tackler, good luck trying to outwork this guy as he can lay the hammer down fast and make receivers wish they weren’t facing him on the next play. If somehow Hill falls to Day 3, Houston should have his name written on their draft card waiting to call him down.

Round 6, Pick 177: Tyler Conklin
TE
Central Michigan

CJ Fiedorowicz was forced to hang up his cleats this season after a long list of concussions. Ryan Griffin and Stephen Anderson as decent tight ends, but they lack the skill set that the former Hawkeye brought to the table each week. If all else fails, there’s never a thing as too much potential. Houston won’t need to jump the gun on a tight end, but finding a player who could potentially become a strong blocking tight end with decent hands could help Deshaun Watson and D’Onta Foreman

Known for his strong footwork, ability to accelerate downfield and outbox small defensive backs, Conklin the proper tools to be a top receiver in any offense. As a blocker, the former Chippewa has experience and success coming off the ball from a three-point stance and from the slot. Patient in combo blocks, Conklin does a nice job keeping his outside shoulder free, allowing him to work upfield to the second and third line of defense as a lead blocker downfield. With his overall skills, Conklin fits the bill as a well-rounded late gem for the Texans offense.

Round 6, Pick 211: Richie James
WR
Middle Tennessee State

The Texans really don’t have a major need for a wide receiver early on. DeAndre Hopkins is considered a top-five receiver in the league while Will Fuller put on a show as a deep threat last year. That leaves Braxton Miller as someone struggling to play heading into his third season. The former quarterback turned pass catcher has had some success as a receiver but is looking more and more like a secondary option rather than a full-fledged starter.

Putting up insane production for the Blue Raiders, James excelled in 2016 as one of the most dominant pass-catchers in college football. Blazing speed to go along with great footwork and solid hands, this speed demon is the definition of a slot receiver at the next level. While his production declined last season, James still was able to average a career 13.4 yards per catch. As a day 3 pickup, he should at least challenge Miller for snaps at the next season in the slot as the team’s third receiver.

Round 6, Pick 214: Trayvon Henderson
SS
Hawaii

Signing a potential MVP caliber strong safety in Tyrann Mathieu should take some pressure off the deep secondary in Houston. Andre Hal is well deserving of being considered a quality safety in today’s league after a strong performance last season in coverage. That being said, there’s little depth behind him and if 2018 is anything like the year before.

Henderson is a solid day 3 pickup for any franchise. Excellent in man coverage, the Rainbow Warrior was able to show his lockdown skills in Mobile against tight ends and slot receivers. A clean backpedal and strong reaction time, Henderson delivers a powerful hit to cause fumbles and stop receivers in their tracks. At worst case scenario, he should be a fantastic special teams player.

Round 7, Pick 222: J.K. Scott
Punter
Alabama

Let’s be honest, Shane Lechler is nothing short of a superhuman. The long-term punter will return again to Houston this season, entering his 19th season in the league. At 41 year old, the Texas native obviously took this hometown signing thinking of the future rather than the cash. What many believe could be his final year in an NFL uniform, finding his successor could be the piece that sends him packing in 2019.

A four-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Scott was dominant punter with a superb leg that allowed him to pin defenses deep in their own end zone. A high kick to give his team time to fly to the football, Scott has a knack for his timing and ability to put the proper spin while punting. With only two blocks in his entire career, Scott would be an excellent addition to the staff and could learn under Lechler before officially taking over.

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